Northern Ireland have lost Hearts striker Liam Boyce and Derry City goalkeeper Nathan Gartside for their World Cup qualifier with Italy.

It kicks off at the Stadio Tardini in Parma on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.

Gartside has pulled out with a fitness issue, while Boyce has been left at home because “his wife has just given birth.”

Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis is also in doubt and a decision on his availability will be made by manager Ian Baraclough tomorrow.

Northern Ireland have lost Hearts striker Liam Boyce and Derry City goalkeeper Nathan Gartside for their World Cup qualifier with Italy.

It kicks off at the Stadio Tardini in Parma on Thursday at 19.45 GMT.

Gartside has pulled out with a fitness issue, while Boyce has been left at home because “his wife has just given birth.”

Newcastle United defender Jamal Lewis is also in doubt and a decision on his availability will be made by manager Ian Baraclough tomorrow.

As part of this group, Northern Ireland will take on Bulgaria in Belfast on March 31, but before that there is also a friendly against the USA on Sunday.

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